Drew Brees looked at ease in the pocket during the NFL's opening weekend, completing passes long and short to seven receivers. He made the perfect decision to audible in the fourth quarter, reading the defense before opting for a swing pass to Reggie Bush that produced the winning touchdown.

With 30 minutes Thursday morning, Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn learned that two members of his extended football family had died. One was far too young, the other was a strong man overtaken by a sudden illness.